MCQ Detailed View

Minerals are naturally occurring substances found in the Earth’s crust that can be broadly categorized into metallic and non-metallic minerals. This classification is based on their chemical composition, metallic content, and physical properties.

Among the given options, Gypsum is the only non-metallic mineral. Chemically, gypsum is composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O). It is a soft mineral, usually white or gray in color, and does not contain any metal that can be extracted for industrial metal production. Due to the absence of metallic elements in free or extractable form, it is classified as non-metallic.

Non-metallic minerals like gypsum are poor conductors of heat and electricity, lack metallic luster, and are non-malleable. They are generally used for industrial and construction purposes rather than for extracting metals. Gypsum has wide applications in the construction industry for making plaster of Paris, drywall sheets, wallboards, and cement, and in agriculture as a soil conditioner.

The other options are metallic minerals:

• 
  

  Manganese: A metallic mineral used as an alloying element in steel and batteries.

  
  


• 
  

  Magnesium: A metallic element obtained from minerals like magnesite, widely used in alloys, pyrotechnics, and medicines.

  
  


• 
  

  Bauxite: The primary ore of aluminum, from which metallic aluminum is extracted.

  
  

Non-metallic minerals are vital for producing non-metal products such as glass, ceramics, fertilizers, and construction materials. They do not provide metallic elements but are essential raw materials for various industries.

Therefore, the correct answer is Gypsum, as it is the only mineral in the list that does not yield metal and is primarily used for non-metallic applications in industries.